At our school, we believe that positive behavior, strong attendance, and academic engagement work together to create the best learning environment for students. In support of this belief, we are pleased to introduce a renewed focus on Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) along with the launch of our new Advanced Curricular Offerings (ACO) program, beginning January 12, 2026.
What is PBIS?
Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) is a proactive, school-wide framework designed to encourage positive student behavior, improve school culture, and support student success. PBIS focuses on clearly defined expectations, consistent accountability, and positive reinforcement. Through PBIS, students are encouraged to make responsible choices and are recognized with meaningful opportunities when they demonstrate exceptional behavior and attendance.
Introducing Advanced Curricular Offerings (ACO)
As part of our PBIS initiative, we are launching Advanced Curricular Offerings, which will be available during 7th period (the last period of the day) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. These advanced courses are designed to enrich learning experiences for students who consistently demonstrate responsibility, respect, and commitment to school.
Participation in ACO is a privilege earned through positive behavior and strong attendance, reinforcing our belief that success extends beyond academics alone.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Advanced Curricular Offerings, students must meet both behavior and attendance criteria:
Behavior Requirements
Students must have one or fewer in-school suspensions (ISS) during the previous academic quarter.
Any student who has:
More than one ISS in a quarter, or
Any out-of-school suspension (OSS)
will not be eligible for ACO participation.
Attendance Requirements
Students who have missed 10% or more of school days since the beginning of the school year are not eligible.
These behavior and attendance minimums together form a Positive Behavior Intervention, allowing students to participate in advanced learning opportunities.
Please note that eligibility can be lost if a student receives multiple ISS or is placed in OSS during a grading quarter.
Course Structure
Orchestrated Music
Qualifying 5th and 6th grade students will be grouped together.
Qualifying 7th and 8th grade students will be grouped together.
Agri Culture: Tree to Table and Advanced Physical Education & Health
These courses will be taken by students within their individual grade-level classes.
Students who do not initially qualify will remain in their regularly scheduled 7th period class. However, students will be reconsidered after the 3rd quarter if they meet eligibility requirements.
All students will be reassessed at the end of each quarter for continued or new eligibility.
Advanced Curricular Offerings – Course Descriptions
Agri Culture: Tree to Table
Agri Culture: Tree to Table is an interdisciplinary, place-based learning course rooted in the Legacy Orchard at Sacaton Middle School. Using the orchard’s 144 plots of citrus trees as a living classroom, students explore the connection between land, language, history, agriculture, and community.
The course integrates O’odham language acquisition, Gila River Indian Community history, agricultural science and entrepreneurship, and community stewardship. Students learn how citrus trees grow from planting to harvest, how water has shaped the history and resilience of the Gila River Indian Community, and how agricultural products can be responsibly distributed and shared within the community.
Through hands-on activities, fieldwork, storytelling, and project-based learning, students develop respect for traditional knowledge while building modern skills in observation, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. The course emphasizes sustainability, cultural identity, and real-world application—connecting students directly to their land and community.
Orchestrated Music
Orchestrated Music is a performance-based music course designed for middle school students at Sacaton Middle School. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of making music as a unified ensemble. Students will begin by learning percussion instruments to develop a strong rhythmic foundation through drum-line and core ensemble work. As students grow in skill and confidence, they will be introduced to band instruments and basic orchestration concepts.
The course emphasizes discipline, cooperation, and responsibility while students learn how individual parts come together to create one cohesive musical performance. Through rehearsals, performances, and collaborative activities, students will develop musical skills, leadership, and respect for teamwork while expressing themselves creatively through music.
Advanced Physical Education & Health
Advanced Physical Education and Health is a middle school course designed to help students build strength, improve fitness, and develop lifelong healthy habits. Students will learn how to safely and correctly use age-appropriate weightlifting equipment and perform fundamental strength-training exercises. The course also emphasizes overall physical wellness, including cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and injury prevention.
In addition to physical training, students will explore key health topics such as nutrition, balanced diets, hydration, goal setting, and the benefits of regular physical activity. Through hands-on practice and health education lessons, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy choices both in and out of school.
We are excited to offer these Advanced Curricular Offerings as a way to recognize and reward students who demonstrate exceptional behavior and attendance. PBIS and ACO work together to reinforce positive choices and provide meaningful opportunities that prepare students for continued success.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.